Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer but has undergone successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican announced on Tuesday.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, after which doctors confirmed he had lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.
In a medical bulletin, the Vatican said the surgery was successful and there were no complications.
“The operation was successful and there were no complications,” the Vatican said. “After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room.”
The Vatican said doctors removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung “to ensure the procedure was radical.”
The lump was initially discovered during what the Vatican described as routine medical checks. Further tests are being conducted to determine whether the cancer has spread, a Vatican source told Agence France-Presse.
The Pope is expected to remain in hospital for about a week, while his scheduled engagements have been cancelled until October 20 to allow him to recover.
Leo had personally announced his planned surgery on Sunday while addressing worshippers from the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square following the traditional Angelus blessing.
He said doctors had discovered a lung nodule that was contained and detected at a very early stage, but had advised him to undergo surgery.
The Vatican subsequently explained that although lung nodules are common and not necessarily cancerous, examination of the removed tissue confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as suspected by tests conducted before the operation.
It also stressed that the pontiff, who is generally considered physically fit, had shown no symptoms of infection or illness.
Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo, who met the Pope on Monday, said Leo had indicated that he felt nothing wrong physically.
According to the cardinal, the pontiff chose to undergo surgery as soon as possible because he was scheduled to travel to Latin America in early November and wanted to maintain those plans.
The proposed trip includes Peru, where Leo previously served as a missionary and later as a bishop for several years.
Large crowds gathered outside Gemelli Hospital ahead of the operation, waiting for hours to welcome the Pope.
Supporters cheered and offered greetings as his vehicle approached the hospital. Leo waved and smiled through the lowered rear window before being welcomed by hospital staff.
Despite reassurances from the Vatican, news of the diagnosis has raised concern among Catholics.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the announcement had come as a surprise. “Am I worried? Yes, because I certainly wasn’t expecting anything like this.”
Parolin agreed that the diagnosis felt like a “bolt from the blue”, but said the cardinals had been encouraged by the Pope’s calmness and remained confident about his recovery.
Outside the hospital, which has treated several popes and houses a large statue of Pope John Paul II, some Catholics remained to pray.
One woman, identified as Carla, said she had travelled to the hospital specifically to be close to the pontiff. “He seems calm, so we are calm too – even though illness is always unpleasant. “We will wait here and pray.”
Another supporter, Elsa, said she was in St Peter’s Square when Leo announced his planned operation and had been shocked by the news.
“I was really taken aback, explaining that she had regarded Leo as a younger and healthier pontiff when he was elected. “It turns out he’s vulnerable too.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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